PHOENIX — Early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest more people died on Arizona roads last year than the year before.
According to an NHTSA report showing early estimates of motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2023, 1,315 people died on Arizona highways. The number of people who were killed in motor vehicle wrecks is up 1 percent, compared to 2022, when 1,303 people reportedly died.
Nationwide, the NHTSA report shows 40,990 people died from motor vehicle wrecks in 2023, a drop of about 3.6 percent from 2022, where 42,514 fatalities were reported.
Deaths on Arizona roads
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
- 2011: 825 deaths
- 2012: 821 deaths
- 2013: 844 deaths
- 2014: 774 deaths
- 2015: 895 deaths
- 2016: 952 deaths
- 2017: 1,000 deaths
- 2018: 1,010 deaths
- 2019: 982 deaths
- 2020: 1,057 deaths
ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.
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